New DOL, OSHA, and TWC Rules Inform Both Employees and Employers, as Pandemic Eases[1] A. New Standard Issued by DOL Aimed at Protecting At-Risk Workers in Healthcare On June 10, 2021, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued a highly anticipated emergency temporary standard (“ETS”) setting workplace safety parameters for employers in the healthcare sector during […]
As Pandemic Eases, New DOL, OSHA, and TWC Rules Inform Both Employees and Employers
Independent Contractor Status Further Defined in Hargrave v. Aim Directional Services
In a big win for the energy industry, and in particular the energy-service industry, Judge Morales of the Southern District of Texas—Corpus Christi Division—recently dismissed an overtime lawsuit brought by Plaintiff Marcus Hargrave, ultimately finding that he was an “independent contractor” and thus, AIM Directional Services (“AIM”) was not subject to the Fair Labor Standards […]
Termination of Employment when an Employee “Peacefully Protests.”
This COVID year plus has been a time of lockdowns and social distancing. However, along the way, people have been out in public, without necessarily social distancing, and protesting—vociferously and publicly, and, in some instances, as a part of larger riots, destruction of property, injury to others, and challenges to the political bodies in power. […]
EEOC Guidance: Employer Mandated Vaccinations?
On December 16, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) issued further guidance about the employment rules applicable during the COVID-19 pandemic—this time focusing on employer-mandated vaccinations. The latest guidance updates previous EEOC thought “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and other EEO Law”. In the new Section K. […]
DOL Issues Blog Post Further Explaining FFCRA Eligibility
On May 11, 2020, the Department of Labor issued a short blog on leave eligibility under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”). The FFCRA applies to employers that have less than 500 employees. The blog linked here is easy to follow and very straightforward in laying out kinds of leave and associated pay to […]
Coronavirus FAQ #4 for Employers – CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program
As part of KRCL’s COVID-19 Resources and Insights, the Employment Law Practice Group presents Q&A on the Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES”), as put together by Director Demetri Economou and Associate Emily Green. CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program FAQ
DOL Issues Temporary Rules Related to FFCRA
DOL PRESS RELEASES, PROMISED WEBINAR, FRIDAY 4/3/2020, and ONLINE DIALOGUE On the day that the law went into effect, April 1, 2020, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued its temporary rule about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”). The new rule (123 pages) is now available, and a summary from the Department of Labor […]
DOL Posts Model Notice for Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
Reminder to Employers: Today, April 1, 2020, is the effective date for the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”). In response to our current emergency, the President signed the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” or “FFCRA.” The effective date is April 1, 2020. See other KRCL blogs on this topic: Update on the Families First Coronavirus […]
Coronavirus FAQ #3 for Employers – The CARES Act
Dear AJ: Help! I’m a small business and caught between a rock and a hard place. I don’t want to lay people off, but I need a lifeline to keep the doors open. What do I do? AJ’s Answer: The first thing that I want to say is: You are not alone. Second: With our American […]
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES)
CARES: The Impact on Business, Employers and Employees Today, March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the largest and most comprehensive act to aid businesses, employers and employees, particularly in the small business segment, during this COVID-19 pandemic. The hefty price tag, $2 trillion, will provide direct relief to businesses, with the specific goal of assisting […]